Synapse Films has acquired the North American home-video rights to Dario Argento’s Suspiria, and is hoping to re-release the film in DVD, Blu-ray, and other optical media something in 2014 or 2015.
Suspiria was originally released in 1977 by Italian horror master Argento, and tells the story of a young girl at a German dance academy who gets caught up in the sinister supernatural forces controlling the school. Jessica Harper (Phantom of Paradise, Stardust Memories, Minority Report) stars and Udo Kier (Iron Sky, Nymphomaniac, Armageddon) has a guest appearance. Entertainment Weekly described Suspiria as “one of the scariest films of all time,” and the film’s relevance hasn’t wavered over the 36 years since its premier; it was the inspiration for Cambiare, a horror-themed bar and grill in Tokyo that opened this year.
Donald May, Jr., president of Synapse Films, had the following to say about the company’s latest conquest: “I’ve been involved in the restoration and release of many films in my career, but Suspiria has always eluded me, until now. It’s one of my favorite horror films and I’m ecstatic that my business partner, Jerry Chandler, was able to negotiate with the rights holders to release this film. This is going to be an amazing project for us.”
Synapse has promised to be as diligent as possible to create a final product of the best quality available. Together with Technicolor’s Rome and Los Angeles facilities, they’ll work to develop a new high-definition 2K scan from the original negative. The scanning will be coordinated and supervised by Tom Burton, Technicolor Hollywood’s Director of Restoration Services. Burton’s restoration credits include Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner and Blake Edwards’ Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and since I actually saw his restoration of Blade Runner, I can confidently say that the film is in good hands.
That’s all for now. Blood Sprayer will keep you guys updated as more details come in. Before I go, here’s a great death scene from Suspiria for you. (It’s just because I care.)
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